Mike Worden taking the reigns of Seattle traffic control

    We've all been stuck in a gridlock, sandwiched between vehicles, fingers drumming on the steering wheel impatiently with exasperated sighs being the only soundtrack playing in the car.
    In cities like Seattle traffic jams are a matter of fact way of life with that many people residing and working there. In other words, traffic is as common in Seattle as rainy days and coffee shops. However, with the closure of Alaskan Way Viaduct starting January 11 at 10 p.m., there needed to be some form of intervention to help traffic not move seamlessly, but lessen the harshness of consequences due to the closure. That intervention came in the form of Mike Worden.
    Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has chosen the Leavenworth based retired U.S. Air Force Major General Mike Worden for the position. According to the Office of the Mayor's prepared statement, Durkan crafted the Director of Citywide Mobility Operations herself and Worden will be the first ever to fill the shoes.
    "(I think I was chosen because I) believe she wanted an outsider that could get things done more quickly," said Worden. "I am honored to continue to serve the people."
    His extensive background in the military has paved a sturdy foundation for him to find his footing with this new role. Worden served in the Air Force for over three decades and is no stranger to crisis planning, operations leadership and logistics coordination.
    "(The part of my experience that I think will help me in this position is) experience in building relationships to accomplish goals in the face of crisis," said Worden.
    His job is far from simple - but the simplistic way to put it is that he will be holding the single point of contact for 29 Seattle departments.
    "My role is to being responsible to ensure all government departments and agencies related to supported the safe flow of traffic throughout Seattle. Working together to ensure people and goods get to their destination," said Worden.
    This is to ensure that there will be a coordinated response to challenges that may arise from the closure. This includes conducting incident response, making sure that there will be no obstruction on delivery of emergency services and managing the right of way, according to the Durkan's prepared statement. Worden says he expects some problems to arise in the form of insufficient numbers of commuters using mass transit, insufficient numbers of employers allowing flexible work hours and governments not providing adequate planning and resources.
    Despite the strain from the closure, Worden will be working to keep the exasperated sighs to a minimum for the people of Seattle. Worden started on January 2.